Page 102 of Branded Hearts

“Hi, sunshine,” his deep voice comes through the phone, and instantly, a blush spreads across my cheeks. “What are you up to?”

“I’ve got Millie for the night, so we’re baking cupcakes for dessert later,” I explain, smiling at Millie, who’s now attempting to lick the spoon. “And you?”

“Just wrapped up from the gym.”

“Ah, nice and sweaty,” I say, a teasing tone in my voice.

“So sweaty.” His voice lowers an octave, sending a shiver down my spine.

Just then, Millie calls out, “Who’s that, who’s that?”

“It’s Bradley. Want to say hi?” I ask her.

Her face lights up. “Bwadey, Bwadey.” I press the button to turn on the speaker, and his voice fills the room. “Hi, princess. What are you doing?”

“We’re making cupcakes!” Millie exclaims, her excitement contagious.

“Cupcakes, huh? That sounds yummy,” Bradley replies warmly. I can’t help but think he’s yummy, too, and I can’t wait to get a taste of him.

“Yeah! I mixing!” Millie says proudly, covered in batter. “Bwadey, you come bake with us?” she asks eagerly.

I quickly interject, not wanting to force him into anything. “Bradley might have other things to do, sweetheart.” Even thoughI’d love to see him.

“I’d love to come and help. If your Aunty Meli doesn’t mind.”

My heart flutters at his words. “Of course, I don’t mind,” I say softly, trying to hide my excitement. Millie cheers, and I can’t help but feel a warm glow inside.

“I’ll see you girls soon,” Bradley adds, and just hearing those words come out of his mouth sounds so natural.

I can’t help but picture a life with him—me cooking in the kitchen with our daughter or son, him coming home and finding us. Flour fights in the kitchen, leading to other naughty things.Ah, what a dream.

Two trays later, and a complete mess of the kitchen, the three of us are seated on the couch, watchingThe Lion Kingand munching on chocolate cupcakes with vanilla buttercream frosting. I’m perched on the couch with my legs outstretched across Bradley’s lap. Millie sits between us, making a complete mess, with icing and chocolate crumbs all over her face. Kat will probably murder me for giving her sugar before dinner, but oh well. That’s what aunty duties are for.

“Hakuna Matata” starts to play, and Millie sings along. I giggle at her enthusiasm, then turn to look at Bradley, only to find him already watching me. He does that often, always watching me.

Butterflies erupt in my stomach. He winks at me, and my heart just about skips a beat.

I grab some baby wipes from Millie’s overnight bag and clean up her messy face. Then I head to the kitchen to start preparing dinner for Millie and me—and maybe Bradley, too.

“Hey, I’m going to start cooking dinner. Did you want to stay and eat?” I ask him, not wanting to impose, but hoping he’ll stay.

“How about I head over to Madison’s and grab us a quick dinner?” he suggests.

“Oh, you don’t have to do that. I’m more than happy to cook,” I say, though the thought of not having to cook is tempting.

Bradley gives me a reassuring smile. “It’s fine, really. I’ll grab a few burgers and chips for us to share. Sound good?”

I nod, feeling relieved and grateful. “That sounds perfect. Thank you.”

“Be back in a bit,” he says, standing up and giving Millie a playful ruffle of her hair before heading out. Millie and I finish cleaning up the kitchen mess together, and I can’t help but feel a sense of warmth and contentment. Bradley’s presence has added a new level of joy to our evening, and I can’t wait to see what the rest of the night holds.

Millie is extremely well-fed, having polished off a smallcheeseburger and a plate of chips. Now, she sits on the couch, yawning like there’s no tomorrow.

“Tired, princess?” Bradley asks.

“Yeah, too much food,” she says, patting her round little belly.

“Ready for bed, then, munchkin?” I say, and Millie just nods, rubbing at her eyes.

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